Another way we can strengthen commitment in planning is to simply trust the process of the tasks of MI. The tasks of MI provide an excellent structure for a session, and it naturally allows for change talk to be reinforced and guides the client towards their goals. In particular, the planning task provides an opportunity to review and confirm the motivation that has been shared by the client.
In the planning task, the clinician discusses with the client the steps they are ready to take to achieve their goal. The client is asked to think about what will work best for them and how to integrate the change into their life. The belief here is that the client knows themself better than anyone else and has the most knowledge to determine what would work best.
As review, the four processes/tasks of MI created by Miller and Rollnick are below, along with an extra task specifically related to the planning process:
- Engaging in a supportive, collaborative working relationship
- Focusing on clear goal(s) for change
- Evoking the person’s own motivations for change
- Developing a specific change plan
- Determining what step(s) the person is ready, willing, and able to take
Some additional ways that can be supportive in strengthening commitment in the planning process is to encourage the client to verbalize to those close to them their plans. This will also allow the client to perhaps receive additional support from those that they trust. Also, having the client self-monitor their progress can be a way for the client to stay aware of the goal(s) they are hoping to achieve. This can be done through journaling, record keeping, or any other form of documentation.
By following the four processes/tasks of MI, the clinician and client can explore and discuss the best way forward for achieving goals. Trusting the process and the client’s knowledge of what will work best for them will increase the likelihood of change occurring. In next month’s blog, we will continue looking at how best to strengthen commitment. I hope everyone is doing as well as possible and you have opportunities to use and practice motivational interviewing.
For more information about Motivational Interviewing or related services, contact Steve Bradley-Bull, LCMHC, by phone, (919) 812-9203, or by email, steve_bradley-bull@med.unc.edu
UNC CFAR Motivational Interviewing 